15 | L o n e l y L i t t l e L i f e
The parking lot was crammed with police cars. For what reason, Grace couldn’t imagine. She couldn’t help but to think one of the tenants had done something worthy of a police visit. The apartment she lived in wasn’t much. She wouldn’t be surprised if an ex-convict lived downstairs.
She gazed out the window at the policemen who talked amongst themselves. It was impossible to make out physical features from the large distance, but Grace could pick out an overweight officer.
Almost simultaneously, an officer glanced up at the building, locking eyes with Grace.
She shuddered and released the curtains, pressing her back against the beige walls. No, she thought, it’s not me. After all, she had done nothing against the law. She reassured herself a few times, but her mind kept drifting to the thought of something being horribly wrong.
Only a few moments later, a serious of strong and heavy knocks pounded against the door.
Grace felt her lungs constrict in her chest at the abrupt sound. The police knocked with such urgency that her heart skipped several beats.
The knocking continued.
It was then she realized she hadn’t made a move. Slowly but surely, Grace moved towards the door. She let out a shaky breath as her manicured hands wrapped around the doorknob.
She threw the door open, gasping when she saw the two police officers on the other side of the door. Her dark-colored eyes darted between the two and she slowly spoke. “Yes?”
“Are you Gracelyn Hughes?” the chubbier of the two, asked. A dark brow furrowed as he stood upright, showing his authority.
“Yes?” Her heart still hadn’t relaxed. “What is this about?”
“Are you familiar with a—” He glanced down at a file folder, “—Jessica Diaz?”
She felt the apprehension prickle her skin, leaving goosebumps behind. She hated that name. It brought back memories she didn’t want to remember, but somehow, she found herself caring. “Yes…”
The tall lanky officer grasped onto his belt and cleared his throat. “She’s dead.”
Her delicate brows rose, reflecting her surprise. She waited for the officers to come out and say gotcha, but it never came. Their eyes remained hard and serious. Instead of waiting for them to laugh, she did.
The officers exchanged worried looks before the chubby one voiced his thoughts, “Ms. Hughes, I will—”
“She’s dead!” Grace cackled, not believing what she just heard. “That’s funny! So funny!” She continued to laugh until the officers gained a tight hold on her arms.
“Ms. Hughes, we are going to take you in for questioning.”
Grace’s wild eyes finally focused. “What? Why?” She yanked out of their grip and took a step backwards.
“Your sense of humor is disturbing and suspicious,” the lanky officer explained. “And it gives us right to believe you are a suspect.”
“Suspect!” she shouted. Her voice could be heard from the bottom floor. “What? I thought this was a joke! Jessica is not dead.” As she continued to stare at the officers’ impassive expressions, her face softened. “Is she?”
YOU ARE READING
Diaries of the Dead
Mystery / ThrillerAiden Walker believes in himself. After all, he is the only person he can depend on considering his parents sent him away and his legal guardian died of cancer. Due to his difficult upbringing, making friends was a skill that never came easily to hi...
